Young Professional Update: Urban October Reflection

Nairobi Urban October Reflection- By Shazara Khan

My first impression of Nairobi’s urban context was that rapid urbanization is pushing many people into poverty. Since many people are moving to the city to be closer to work, there has been an increased demand for housing, and therefore a steep increase in prices. People who cannot afford these prices are forced to live in informal settlements with difficult living conditions. Furthermore, the number of people having to commute has caused an increase in traffic. I also noticed that many people in Kenya are struggling to secure formal employment despite their education levels. At the same time, urban farming has emerged as a promising opportunity for communities. People are discovering new methods to grow crops and raise livestock in small areas. They are turning limited resources into sustainable ways to earn a living. 

I have noticed that urbanization is raising housing and living costs, and this is making life difficult for many young people. Even highly qualified youth are having a hard time finding jobs. There simply aren’t enough positions to meet the demand. I have also heard young people complain about industry corruption and the lack of opportunities for networking. I also noticed that even though women are joining the workforce, many still face challenges from traditional cultural values. This means they are expected to take care of their children and the household in addition to working. Women are already a marginalized community, so rapid urbanization means they will have less access to jobs and affordable housing. I also learned how culturally, land ownership is passed down to men. If a patriarch dies and leaves only daughters, the women must fight for ownership against their male relatives. If they are sent away from their childhood home, they will struggle to find accommodation. 

That said, I have witnessed some promising initiatives to address urbanization. Mazingira Institute’s collaboration with the Nairobi City County has helped promote farming among marginalized groups, especially youth and women. The Gender, Urban Agriculture and Food System (GUAFS) Trainings are only available to people under 35 and aims to target female participants. Since many young people are struggling to find employment, farming can help them make a living and provide food for their families. These training courses also emphasize the importance of farming in small spaces, especially as Nairobi becomes more densely populated. This is a sustainable solution for these individuals’ futures, since there will always be a demand for food.  

My Young Professional placement in Nairobi has shaped my understanding of urbanization by showing me firsthand the effects of rapid urbanization. Although I had heard about informal settlements and saw some during my travels, this was the first time I had visited one. I joined Mazingira Institute on field visits to different farms, many of which were in informal settlements. I gained a newfound understanding of how smaller spaces could be used for farming. People were exceptionally creative with their farming, as I had never seen so many multi-layered gardens in one place. In Canada, we associate farming with rural areas and large expanses of land. Seeing so many urban farming practices was a new but exciting experience. 

These issues connect with me personally, as I now understand how increased living costs, lack of affordable housing, and unemployment are global issues. Back home in Toronto, many of us are facing the same issues, but on different scales. The job market is difficult, and many youths are forced to move back with their parents. However, I have seen how youth, in particular, have found ways to make a living in the declining job market. Apart from farming, I have seen people offering freelance services and engaging in different forms of entrepreneurship. I have also seen a rise in grants and internship opportunities for youth from underprivileged backgrounds, from both the government and private institutions. The creativity and innovation I saw during my placement fill me with hope for the future of communities in Kenya. 

Grace Macharia (second from the left) is a young woman with a disability, but the GUAFS Training with Mazingira Institute encouraged her to farm in a small space and overcome her challenges.